I know it's not my money and it's not my business, but to me that is not a commitment to winning from ownership. This team was about 4 minutes out from going up 3-1 in the finals before things went sideways and they lost the series. They are returning that core lineup and added some depth with Brogdon. They're in a good position as any to get back there again this year. Big man depth is likely going to be a serious flaw for this team and ownership is intent with that being the case for financial purposes.I doubt very highly that the Cs are going to sign any veteran big man because of their tax situation. From this article - https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/filling-out-celtics-2022-23-roster-taxing-situation - any veteran whom the Cs sign to a fully guaranteed contract only counts the minimum portion of the contract against the salary cap, but - and this is why the Cs won't sign someone unless they are sure that person is going to fit - if the Cs cut that player during the year, the Cs are on hook for the full amount of the contract.
I.e., for Carmelo, if the Cs signed him to a veteran one-year guaranteed minimum contract, Melo would get approximately $2.9M but the Cs would be on the hook for $1.8M. However, if the Cs cut Melo during the year, the Cs would then be on the hook for the full $2.9M, which brings the salary cap hit from approximately $8.1M to $13M. And while it's not our money, it's still real money.
The Cs are going to open the season with one or more of the Green Kornet, Luka, Cabin Jelly, and Vonleh and hopefully, one or more of these guys will show they can play above-average defense or offense. And if not, they will see what's available later on in the season.
I don't know if Vegas has bets on win totals before the ASB, but I'd probably go the under while the Cs try to figure this stuff out.
The Warriors are the most successful franchise of the past decade and their ownership group is the best in the game. So, I ask myself, is this an approach the Warriors would take? I don't think it is. I am not a big fan of this ownership group, so I may be biased in saying this, but I really worry about the tone they are striking with their core players and to what extent this may impact this core's championship window. If I were JB-between the offseason rumors, the coaching debacle, and the commitment to roster building-I'd be looking for another city to ply my trade.